(BEDFORD) - Bedford city officials held a public hearing and passed a resolution Tuesday night for the authorization to seek a Community Focus Fund Community Development Block Grant to help restore the former Indiana Limestone Company building at 405 I Street.

The building, now owned by Oakland City University, serves students from both OCU-Bedford and Ivy Tech.

The grant is for $400,000 and Trena Carter, of Adminstrative Resources association estimated the total cost of the project at $515,000. Restoration will include the building's steel windows, entry steps and railings, plus the installation of security lighting.

The Lawrence County Economic Growth Council and Lawrence County Community Foundation serve as key partners in the project saying the project is a step to increase workforce development by providing educational opportunities, while preserving local history.

Carter asked the council to pass a resolution to accept ownership of the building because it is a stipulation if awarded the grant.

The council tabled a vote on that resolution until wording could be added to the resolution that the city would only take ownership after the 2014 budget was prepared and if the city could afford it.
In other business:

* The council passed a resolution to accept the Downtown Revitalization Plan.

* The council voted to accept the compliance statement of benefits for Town Square Plaza, owned by Ralph and Mary Anderson for tax abatement.

* The council voted to accept compliance statement of benefits of OGENA LLC and sister company PYNCO Inc.

* The council voted to accept the Facilities Maintenance Plan for the Federal Transit Administration which is a requirement for TASC.